LONG ISLAND CREEK SITE 6B

WATER QUALITY

Method and Parameters

Testing was done and data collected every time we visited the stream (June 14, 21, and 28) for the basic physical and chemical parameters of Marsh Creek, which according to Georgia Adopt-A-Stream (AAS), allows for "specific water quality characteristics" to by analyzed. According to AAS, basic physical parameters include air and water temperatures, relative humidity, and water conductivity. Chemical data includes pH levels, dissolved oxygen, Nitrate-Nitrogen, and Phosphate. All data was collected in the field except coliform, Nitrate-Nitrogen, and Phosphate, which was tested in a controlled laboratory setting. Thermometers were used for collected air/water temperatures; two samples were taken each time. A wet/dry bulb thermometer was used to collect data about relative humidity; one sample taken each time. On site lab testing kits were used to collect data about DO and pH; two samples were taken each time. A probe was placed in the water for a specific amount of time to test for conductivity; two samples were taken each time. Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphate levels were tested in a lab setting using a combination of chemical solution and tablets; one test performed each time. Coliform data was performed in a lab setting: three inoculations with 1.00 mL of sample water plus one control were implemented for each water sample collection. The samples were incubated for 24 hours at constant temperature and then the coliform colonies were counted.

All methodologies for physical and chemical stream monitoring strictly followed GA-Adopt-A-Stream guidelines. Follow the links below for a complete overview of the methodologies observed in this project and the GA-AAS Complete Manual.

Methodology for all Sites
GA-Adopt-A-Stream: Complete Manual - Biological & Chemical Stream Monitoring

Data

The following charts and graphs displayed were created using raw data that was collected in both the field and laboratory; the water and site under observation and testing is located at Long Island Creek Site 6B.

Table B1. This table displays the observed amount of Nitrate-Nitrogens and Phosphates found in the water samples taken from Long Island Creek Site 6B. These two compounds are generally good indicators of fertilizer run-off into the streams. As seen in the data collected, there seems to be an insignificant amount of Nitrate-Nitrogens and Phosphates in the stream, indicating a low amount of fertilizer run-off into this particular section of the creek.
LIC.Phos.Nit.jpg

Table B2. This table displays the observed amount of E. Coli colifom colonies after a 24 hour incubation period. The results include in average of 3 different 1.00 mL water samples taken from the same original water sample at Long Island Creek Site 6A. The day before June 12, there was 0.20 inches of rain, causing high E.coli levels due to bacteria in the water run-off.
LICB.coliform.jpg
LICB.PH.jpg
Chart B1. This chart shows the average of collected data of two samples of pH taken from water collected from Long Island Creek Site 6B within a 10 minute time period. On each testing date, the corresponding two tests yielded measured at least within 0.5 of each other showing that the data collected was relatively accurate.Even though the pH was slighly acidic, this range of pH observed it normal and to be expected of water.

LICB.Conductivity.jpg
Chart B2. This chart displays the average conductivity of two different samples taken and observed in the water of Long Island Creek 6B. The * on June 12 indicates the date in which no data was retrieved. From the collected data, a pattern appears to indicate that the conductivity is not fluctuating very much at this particular site.

LICB.Air.Hum.jpg
Chart B3. This chart compares air temperature and relative humidity taken around the same time for each date for Long Island Creek Site 6B. In this chart a trend is visible that the two seem to have a converse relationship. It should be noted that the day before June 12 there was about 0.20 inches of rain, which may or may not account for the high humidity.

LICB.DO.Water.jpg
Chart B4. This chart compares the average of two samples of dissolved oxygen found in the stream of Long Island Creek Site 6B and the observed water temperature at the time of the DO collection. The normal trend of a converse relationship between water temperature and DO can be seen in this chart.


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